North Queensland Adventure - 13 Days

Welcome to Brisbane! Or Meanjin in the language of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Brisbane is now located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 10 am. After, you’ll drive straight to Noosa Heads, where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to explore part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the island of K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turqouise water filtered by its 92 per cent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck and coloured sands of the pinnacles. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge. 

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location for observing humpback whales during migration season and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale-watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland.' Depart from the train station at Maryborough West and arrive in Proserpine, south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.

Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this hub town of the popular Whitsundays, which has plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a toast at sunset.

Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville, where you’ll head to Castle Hill lookout, walking the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Then, carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, depart for Lucinda, your location for the night.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people. Learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers, during a guided tour. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then, head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.

After breakfast this morning, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and maybe a refreshing swim in the cascades. Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree this park was named after – this park protects the endangered Mabi Forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, head to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python. Here, maybe go for a swim (just keep an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodiles). This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where you may say goodbye to some of the group who are finishing their travels here. Tonight, you'll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain, this town is surrounded by the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest. Start with a visit to nearby Barron Falls Lookout for the best photo spots, then head into town. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets or relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. This afternoon, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital – Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here, you’ll learn about the facility's research, advocacy and community education as well as meeting some new upside-down friends. Next, head to Atherton and immerse yourself in a First Nations cultural experience where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, stories and connections to Country that have been passed down through generations.

This morning, head to Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and a nature walk. After, you’ll continue to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Head off on another nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of this epic rainforest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! This afternoon, continue exploring the area or kick back and relax at your accommodation.

After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the clear waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning? The rest of the day is free for you to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lover's paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laid-back options to choose from.

This morning, visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and the steep, rainforest-covered slopes that meet the sandy beaches below. Next, head to another boardwalk for a scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Then, visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have time for lunch. When you’ve refreshed with a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via Palm Cove. This evening, embark on a sunset cruise accompanied by Mandingalbay Yidinji guides. Cruise through the wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve – an Indigenous Protected Area. The cruise will begin with a Welcome to Country, then your guides will share their traditions, culture and dialects as you float through the waterways of one of the world’s most diverse mangrove forests, home to more than 30 species of mangrove.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cairns, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.